Statute of Limitations on Speeding Ticket Default in Massachusetts

Traffic tickets do not expire.

The statute of limitations provides the maximum time limits within which a state may prosecute a crime. In Massachusetts, a default judgment is entered when a person fails to appear in court or otherwise properly respond to a speeding citation.

Default

A default judgment functions as a guilty plea. When a person defaults on a speeding ticket, the judge will impose fines and other sanctions against the defendant.

Time Limits

There is no statute of limitations for a fine imposed due to a default on a speeding ticket. The fine is a judgment and is not subject to the statute of limitations. The default judgment will not go away due to the passage of time.

Drivers License Agreement (DLA)

The DLA is an agreement between states to share ticket information with each other. Massachusetts is a member of the DLA.

Penalties

The failure to properly take care of a default judgment for a speeding ticket in Massachusetts can cause problems later. The unpaid default judgment can lead to a license suspension in another state for a violator.

References

• Avvo: What is the statute of limitations on a speeding ticket?
• Traffic Schools 123: Is there a statute of limitations on traffic tickets?
• Car Insurance: Is Massachusetts part of the Drivers License Compact?

Resources

• Speeding Ticket Central: Speeding Ticket FAQ.